Friday, October 24, 2008

Those Moments

I don't know how it happened, but for the last several weeks I have starting rocking Antalya to sleep for her nap and at bedtime. This is something I haven't done since she was really little. I always felt that it was better for her to learn to put herself to sleep, and I didn't want her relying on my help to get her settled down, in case some nights I wasn't there, or just didn't have the time. Once we got her adjusted to going to sleep by herself, she did so well at it. When it was time to sleep we would tell her it was time, put her in her bed, sing her one song, and leave - rarely did she ever complain.

So, why change the routine all of a sudden? And to be honest I'm not even sure when I started rocking her to sleep. Maybe it was one day that I felt like I just didn't get enough of her and wasn't ready to put her to bed. Whatever the case - it's become routine now - for better or worse (I'm not quite sure). But I've decided I absolutely LOVE these new moments I share with her. She cuddles in my lap, I scratch her back and arms, and attempt to sing songs to her. The singing song parts has become quite humorous. Antalya is very particular about her songs, and lets me know when I have picked the wrong song to sing by interrupting with a definite 'NO'. Lately it seems I spend 10 minutes or so just trying to find the right song for her mood. I eventually find several of the right songs, and she begins to close her eyes. Then a new battle begins. I know I should put her in her bed before she falls completely asleep, but I just want to hold her close to me.

Putting my little girl (who is getting bigger by the minute) to sleep has become my favorite part of the day. Not because it means I have some time to myself to get my things done, but because it means I get to hold her close to me for a few brief moments and savor the blessing of being her mom.

8 comments:

I think rocking your babies to sleep is one of the most important things we can do as parents. Certainly there becomes a dependence when we do, but so what? Rocking is huge for bonding, for me and for them. Plus it ends the day with love and peace...not all my days are filled with that but all my bedtimes are!!! I pray that I can rock my kids for a VERY long time...we need those moments together and I cherish them! Enjoy that time, it's a great thing!

Rock on. I cuddle with Myles every night before bed and he's going on 3. I created a monster and he can't fall asleep alone, but it doesn't bother me. I say if you enjoy it, do it. You won't be able to do it forever. You are such a cute mom!

Landon is now three and we both still enjoy rocking/cuddling time every night before bed. I love how it is the only time he will hold still for so long and talk and sing with me. Trent and I laugh how his bedtime routine is over 40 minutes long but it is special time for all of us as we read together, say prayers together, give hugs and kisses, rock , sing, talk, tickle his back, and finally lights out. He actually looks forward to getting ready for bed:) He is a great sleeper and when we aren't there or are in a hurry he still goes down just as easy with a very short or adapted routine with someone else. I know a lot of people feel like they become dependent on these things but I am sure my little guy won't be wanting this special time forever so I am going to savor every moment while he does. They grow up too fast:)

I have rocked all my children and still do with Preston. I love it when we have that eye contact and singing time. Our song is 'Baby Balooga' Remember the book 'I love you forever". We're moms, we're allowed to rock forever! You're a great mom.